Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia predictions, H2H and match preview for this Saturday’s clash in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as two of Spanish football’s most historic clubs meet.
Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia Preview
This is one of the most intriguing games this weekend in La Liga as unbeaten Athletic Club take on a Valencia side that is still finding its feet under new management. Both sides drew against South Madrid opposition in midweek although in very different circumstances.
Athletic ground out a decent point at Butarque to maintain the symmetry to their season so far which has seen them win all their home games and draw all their away games. Raul Garcia netted from the penalty spot in that game and increasingly it’s starting to look as though Athletic’s revival under Gaizka Garitano in the second half of last season was no fluke. They still haven’t lost at home in La Liga under Garitano and they’ll be hoping to claim another big scalp at San Mames here.
Valencia meanwhile were involved in an extraordinary game at the Mestalla on Wednesday night. They came from behind to lead Getafe 3-1 at the break with three goals in nine minutes including a brace for Maxi Gomez. That really should have been the end of the matter but Geta scored a couple of quick-fire goals of their own to level things up at 3-3 in the Second Half. Both teams had chances to win it and Valencia left feeling very hard done by after they were denied a penalty as Marc Cucurella appeared to handle on the line.
They won’t have much time to reflect on that with this game coming around less than 72 hours later. It’ll be interesting to see how new boss Albert Celades approaches it. Despite an excellent Champions League win, he’s failed to claim three points yet in three league outings and with just one win to their name, there’s already a risk Valencia may find themselves in a similar position to last year when they reached the midway point well off the pace in terms of the battle for the top four. As for Athletic, it’s pretty clear what to expect from them as they look to extend their 100% home record.
Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia Predictions
Score Prediction: 2-1 Athletic Club
This should be a competitive affair but currently it’s very hard to look past Athletic Club on home soil. There’s a real clear identity to this team and while they do have their limitations, they look capable of edging out a Valencia side that is still struggling with a few injuries and has looked shaky at the back since the change in coach.
Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia H2H
- Last 6 competitive meetings: 3 Valencia Wins, 1 Athletic Win, 2 Draws.
- Valencia have won 3 of the last 5 clashes but those wins all came at the Mestalla.
- They’ve not won on any of their last 6 visits to San Mames – drew 3, lost 3.
- The last two league meetings between the sides in Bilbao have both been drawn.
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Predicted Line Ups
Athletic Team:
Simon – Capa, Martinez, Yeray, Yuri – Lopez, Dani Garcia – Muniain, Raul Garcia, Gomez – Williams (4-2-3-1)
Valencia Team:
Cillessen – Costa, Paulista, Garay, Correia – Kondogbia, Parejo, Coquelin – Guedes, Gomez, Rodrigo (4-3-3)
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